Tampa, FL Utility & Living Guide

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Tampa, FL Utility & Living Guide

Tampa is a major city on the Gulf Coast of the U.S. state of Florida and the county seat of Hillsborough County.

Last updated: July 9, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1279/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$333,200
📷 Live Cameras — Tampa
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🌤️ Live Weather — Tampa
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Living in Tampa, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 88.6°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 53.5°F. At just 117 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 57.1 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Median household income: $66,802. With a 16.8% poverty rate and 50.5% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Clair-Mel City (6mi E), Leto (6mi NW), Orient Park (6mi E). Air quality is Good — avg AQI 46 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Tampa, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 88.6°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 53.5°F. At just 117 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 57.1 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Median household income: $66,802. With a 16.8% poverty rate and 50.5% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Clair-Mel City (6mi E), Leto (6mi NW), Orient Park (6mi E). Air quality is Good — avg AQI 46 over the past week.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Tampa
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Tampa Electric Company (TECO)
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Tampa Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Tampa Solid Waste Department
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1279/mo
2 Bedrooms$1422/mo
3 Bedrooms$1777/mo
Median Home Price$333,200
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The Tampa housing market is competitive, with prices rising due to demand. Waterfront properties command premium prices, while suburban areas offer more affordability.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Florida has no state income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+10% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description
Business Momentum
High with key industries in tech, healthcare, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, rising home prices, hurricane preparedness
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited but improving, with some areas being more accessible than others.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Busch Gardens
  • 🎯
    Florida Aquarium
  • 🎯
    Lowry Park Zoo

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Hyde Park and South Tampa are popular for families due to good schools and amenities. Seminole Heights offers a more affordable option with a community feel.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Tampa based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

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📊 Tampa — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$66,802
👤 Median Age
35.9
🏠 Homeownership Rate
50.5%
🔑 Renter Rate
49.5%
📉 Poverty Rate
16.8%
💼 Unemployment Rate
5.1%
📡 Internet Access
89.7%
🎓 College Educated
35.4%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in summer due to high AC usage. Winter months see lower utility bills as heating demand is minimal.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by ZIP, with some areas having additional surtaxes for community improvements.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 7/10 with explanation: good sidewalk quality in urban areas, excellent park access, but limited elevator access in transit.

📍 Tampa City Stories

Tampa, Florida — City Overview

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